Enews March 2025

Verified Study Shows Metsä Board Paperboard Can Reduce Carbon Footprint

March 28, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf Metsä Board

According to a recent life cycle assessment* conducted by Metsä Board, switching from white-lined chipboard (WLC) to Metsä Board’s folding boxboard can reduce the carbon footprint of food packaging by over 60%. The LCA study, which compared MetsäBoard Classic FBB to corresponding grades available in European markets, was verified by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

The carbon footprint reduction is possible due to the high share of fossil-free energy used in Metsä Board’s manufacturing process and the lighter weight of fresh fiber paperboards. Although Metsä Board folding boxboards are typically lighter than similar products made of recycled fibers, they retain the durability and functional properties of traditional heavier grades thanks to the fresh wood fibers used in their production.

“Over the past year, we have completed verified LCA assessments across three key packaging segments, which include beauty care, healthcare, and now food packaging,” says Anne Uusitalo, Product Safety and Sustainability Director at Metsä Board. “These comprehensive studies offer brand owners fact-based data and insights into the potential of our paperboards, helping them make informed decisions on how they can reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging as well as their Scope 3 emissions.”

In January, Metsä Board published similar verified assessments comparing its products to other board grades used for beauty care packaging. Last March, it completed verified assessments for its paperboards used in pharmaceutical packaging.

*) Assessments follow procedural and methodological requirements of ISO 14025 and are consistent with ISO 14040 and 14044 standards. The selected system boundary for the study was cradle-to-gate + end-of-life and selected climate change impact methodology was EF3.1 Climate Change – total. Climate change impacts for competing materials utilizes data from Sphera LCA for Packaging, which seeks to represent general products in the European market. The technical background report and the 3rd party verification statement are available on Metsä Board’s website.

Metsä Board
Metsä Board is a producer of lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. The fresh wood fibres we use in our products are a renewable and recyclable resource, that can be traced back to Northern European forests. We aim to have completely fossil-free mills and raw materials by the end of 2030. We promote a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion.

Metsä Board is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. In 2024 our sales totalled EUR 1.9 billion, and we have around 2,300 employees. Metsä Board is part of Metsä Group, whose parent company Metsäliitto Cooperative is owned by over 90,000 Finnish forest owners. For more information, visit www.metsagroup.com/metsaboard/.

Mass Production Printing of Holograms

March 18, 2025

By Liz Stevens, writer, PostPress

Holograms, those magical images that allow the viewer to see an image in three dimensions, have advanced from being rare, mesmerizing novelty items to offering practical applications and aesthetic touches on items and packaging everywhere. Unlike the earliest holograms that were produced as one-off laboratory specimens by optical scientists, today’s holograms can be manually produced via the traditional way – with lasers and mirrors and physical objects – or designed and digitally produced with nothing more than a computer and algorithms. Mass reproduction of holograms now is commonplace.

The eye-catching depth, color and beauty of holograms are put to use for a variety of purposes. They are used to authenticate product brands, to embellish packaging for high-end products and to create a tamper-proof packaging seal. Holograms are embedded in paper currency to thwart counterfeiting, affixed on identification cards and badges, reproduced on valuable documents as authentication and even stamped onto some metal coins. Event tickets, commemorative items and collectables feature dazzling holograms to reinforce their premium value. Other esoteric uses for holograms include data storage and interferometry.

Back in the Day

Credit physicist Dennis Gabor for inventing holography in 1948. The Hungarian-British scientist actually was aiming to improve that era’s electron microscopes; his unexpected invention of holography was patented and it earned Gabor a Nobel Prize in Physics. In the 1960s, laser holography was developed, eliminating the need for electron beam. Rainbow holograms soon were invented, allowing holograms to be viewed with natural light. White light holography and reflection holography came along soon after, advancing the science for displaying holograms. The emergence of dichromated gelatin – as a holographic recording medium to replace glass plates – was a development that allowed for recording holograms on any clear, non-porous surface.

A Crucial Development – Mass Print Production of Holograms

National Geographic magazine was one of the earliest publications to mass produce holograms. The magazine’s March 1984 cover featured the hologram of a bald eagle. Each copy of the magazine had an actual 3D hologram on its cover page, to the tune of millions of copies. The magazine featured a short description of how the cover images were produced (edited here for length).

How the Cover Was Made ¹

“The bald eagle you see on our cover began as a tiny sculpture, produced by Eidetic Images, Inc., in Elmsford, New York. Eidetic, a subsidiary of the American Bank Note Company of New York City, used the eagle to construct the hologram.

“To mass-produce rainbow holograms after exposure by the laser, the hologram’s special emulsion, called photoresist, is developed, rendering the interference pattern as a series of ultrafine ridges. By electrolysis, particles of nickel are deposited on the ridges to make a mold. The nickel mold impresses the interference pattern into plastic, and a thin aluminum coating is applied. Functioning like a mirror, the coating reflects white-light waves through the interference pattern to create the changing image of the bald eagle model.

“This process was repeated almost 11 million times to create the holograms on this issue of National Geographic, the first major magazine to reproduce a hologram on its cover. It is best viewed in direct sunlight or light from a single artificial source. Though the sculptured eagle looks to its left, the cover hologram faces right for heraldic tradition.”

Producing the Eagle Hologram Cover

Back in 1983, when the magazine issue was being prepped and produced, National Geographic (along with American Bank Note Holographics), worked with several companies that had the ability to foil stamp the hologram on the covers. With a quantity of 11 million, it took many presses and locations involved in the process to make it happen. The majority of all of the covers were being run on 14 x 22 Kluge presses using a foil and hologram system designed by Terry Gallagher and his son, John Gallagher. They would later start a new company from this venture, Total Register, which installed hundreds of hologram registration systems through the 80s, 90s and 2000s. The holographic foil that included the holographic 3D image of the eagle was produced by Crown Roll Leaf and was supplied to those companies involved with foil stamping the covers by its distributor at the time – Old Dominion Foils.

One of those trade finishers involved in the project was Graphic Converting Inc. of Texas in Dallas, Texas. During that year, in 1983, Founder and Owner Robert Graham, Sr. (now deceased) was approached by American Bank Note Holographics (Terry Gallagher), National Geographic and Old Dominion Foils to help with the eagle hologram set to be included on the cover of the March 1984 National Geographic issue. PostPress talked with Robert’s son, Robert Jr., who was working at Graphic Converting at the time and recalls many of the ins and outs of gearing up for the mass production of the 11 million eagle hologram covers.

“When we were approached by American Bank Note, we recently had purchased the first Gietz FSA 720 to come to the US in 1982, and we were asked if American Bank Note Holographics could come look at the press to see if a hologram foil attachment could be built and installed,” remembered Graham. “I remember an electrical and a mechanical engineer came to Dallas to look at all the drawings of the press. In one month, American Bank Note designed both the electrical and mechanical equipment needed to add a hologram foil attachment to the press. This was the first hologram attachment installed on a sheet-fed reciprocating-style machine.”

Graphic Converting Inc. of Texas in Dallas became the hub for all sheets produced in Texas. The running timeline for production was a little behind. The company was told that National Geographic had never been late with its monthly editions so Graphic Converting had to do what it could to make the deadline.

“I remember being called to the front office by my father, Bob Graham, Sr., so we could meet with the printing director for National Geographic, who said he needed us to work as many hours as possible,” continued Graham. “He also asked what it would take to run two shifts on Super Bowl Sunday. We came up with a proposal: a TV and everything else for a party (except alcohol) plus a $300 bonus for each employee.” Graham remembers the last sheets leaving Texas the first week of March 1984, and the producers in Texas overall ran close to 2,000,000 covers.

Graham went on to mention that Terry Gallagher was the man who really invented everything it took to put 3-dimensional holograms in hot stamping foil, from the actual-size epoxy eagle model to creating the shim that embossed the image in the foil. The embossing diffracts the light to create the image, and the colors created are naturally occurring in white light. The foil used for the eagle hologram was silver automotive trim foil, which at the time was on a heavier mylar carrier, had more silver and was formulated with a sizing suitable for paper. On the Kluge foil units, the chain drives were replaced by stepping motors and a control console to make adjustments while running. This also was designed by Terry Gallagher and his son, John – part of the retrofit equipment they later would market to the foil stamping industry through Total Register.

Robert Graham, Jr. still is in the industry today, working for FSEA member TPC Printing & Packaging
(www.tpcpackaging.com), which produces folding cartons, rigid set-up boxes and trading cards in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I always have dedicated myself to trying and learning new things while in this great industry. [I’m] proud to be a part of it for so long,” stated Graham.

Holograms Today

The mass production of holographic images has endured, and new advancements keep the technology on the cutting-edge and continuously improved for efficiency.

Besides the foil stamping of holographic images in register for both aesthetics and security applications, there are processes today that include custom holographic images within an entire layout for products, such as folding cartons, labels, magazine covers, posters and more. These applications include specialized holographic processes that then are laminated to board or paper and can be overprinted with a 4-color process to create amazing results. This use of holographic images is available through companies such as K Laser Technologies (www.klasergroup.com) and Hazen Paper (www.hazen.com). With this process, custom holograms can be included on a roll or sheet and then printed inline without registration of an image, providing opportunities to utilize holographic images within a design without the use of special registration equipment on a foil stamping press.

References

“How our cover was made,” National Geographic, March 1984. Volume 165, Number 3.

Hazen Paper Hits a Game-Winner with Basketball Hall of Fame Yearbook

March 18, 2025

Edited by Cori Watkins, editor, PostPress

With March Madness in full swing, PostPress would be remiss not to highlight Hazen Paper’s Basketball Hall of Fame Yearbook. Hazen Paper Company (Hazen Paper), based in Holyoke, Massachusetts, has scored big with its impressive holographic Enshrinement 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Yearbook. The 12th Enshrinement Yearbook cover for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, showcased new optical technology to produce a stellar example of trailblazing optically variable visual effects. The limited-edition 2024 cover, created with Hazen HoloJet®, features a free-form Fresnel Lens image of the Hall of Fame Dome as well as a multi-channel hologram of a floating basketball.

Hazen Paper, founded in 1925, is a paper converter specializing in holographic origination, film coating, foil and paper lamination, metallizing, gravure printing, specialty coating and rotary embossing. According to its website, Hazen Paper products enjoy a wide acceptance for use in health and beauty packaging, entertainment and media packaging, golf ball packaging, bookbinding, lottery scratch tickets, merchandise tags, product labels, photo mounting and ticketing applications. Still owned and led by John and Bob Hazen, Hazen’s custom holography is known worldwide for its use of holographic technology, including recent covers of the Super Bowl program.

High-Scoring Colors and Design

The yearbook cover for 2024 is striking with the rich fall colors of navy blue, gold and burnished copper; holographic spotlight beams emphasizing the words ‘Basketball Hall of Fame’; and the star of the piece – the floating holographic basketball. It includes Fresnel Lens technology utilizing Hazen’s deep-groove technology for sharper images and greater dimensionality. Appearing to move and change with the angle of light, the holographic treatment on the cover attracts attention and interaction with the book. It also serves as a validating seal to definitively authenticate the very limited number of 2024 Enshrinement Yearbooks. The 2024 Yearbook is a testimonial to the great achievements of the honored inductees to the Hall of Fame. It cannot be altered or tampered with and will stand guard over the 2024 inducted heroes through the ages.

Hazen Paper produced the holography and optical magic completely within its secure and vertically integrated Holyoke facility. The nano wave optics were created in Hazen’s laser lab, then micro-embossed and transfer-metallized onto smooth-as-glass cover stock using Hazen’s environmentally friendly Envirofoil® and HoloJet® process. The holography is created with an optical structure that is imparted on the surface of the paper (underneath the printed graphics) with an ultra-thin polymer layer that is less than 2 microns in thickness. Envirofoil® is a non-plastic paper that is as recyclable as paper.

President John Hazen described, “The Hazen holographic team has produced a unique seal and insignia that is secure and cannot be altered or replicated, as this book will be coveted by collectors from now until the end of time because of the inductees it honors.”

The yearbook cover was designed by agency GO of Hartford, Connecticut. Once the holographic design and Envirofoil® sheets were produced by Hazen, covers were printed CMYK with the addition of white ink, which is used in tonal areas to highlight around the holographic images, as well as opaque white where the design included print-only areas on the cover. This was needed for both the design of the Hall of Fame cover and the back cover advertisement.

“The white is an interesting conversation,” stated Hazen. “It is not necessarily opaque. Yes, in certain areas, it is opaque, but the whites also are used in half-tones or at various levels of translucence to create and augment 3D effects. The white layer is quite complex – opaque in some areas but tonal in others.”

The covers were printed and individually numbered for authenticity on a HP Indigo digital press by Starburst Printing, Holliston, Massachusetts. The back cover included an advertisement for Mohegan Sun Casino, which used a custom hologram that was overprinted to create a high-voltage graphic that radiates energy and enthusiasm.

Crowd-Pleasing Reviews

The 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Yearbook clearly was a slam dunk. Attendees of the 2024 Enshrinement enjoyed the look and feel of the yearbook while securing autographs from their favorite Hall of Fame Inductees on its distinguished pages for an extra-special memento. “The customers coveted the books and collected autographs on the books at the Enshrinement,” reported Hazen. He added, “This is a very significant piece from so many perspectives. It deserves recognition because it is valuable to brand owners.”

Grigeo Packaging Installs Bobst Folder-Gluer

March 17, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of BOBST

A dedicated user of BOBST technology for decades, Grigeo Packaging, Vilnius city municipality, Lithuania, has bolstered its inventory with an EXPERTFOLD 165. Chosen for its high efficiency, expanded range and built-in quality control, the new BOBST folder-gluer has immediately increased capacity and improved quality for the Lithuanian packaging company.

Leading corrugated manufacturer Grigeo Packaging UAB is a subsidiary company of Grigeo Group, one of the largest paper and hardboard manufacturers in the Baltics. The company has recently invested in an EXPERTFOLD 165 folder-gluer, the fifth BOBST machine to be installed since 2016. It joins a host of other BOBST equipment already used for flatbed die-cutting, flexo post-printing, flexo printing and folding-gluing in the factory.

“Our existing machinery for multi-point glued boxes reached the limit of its capacity, so we had an urgent need to expand. The new BOBST EXPERTFOLD 165 will let us increase the production volume for the Baltics significantly, and in the process, improve the quality of our products,” stated Otonas Valiušis, General Manager at Grigeo Packaging.

He emphasized the reason behind choosing another BOBST machine, “BOBST has been our main supplier partner for a long time and we’re very satisfied with the performance of the equipment on our factory floor. Our large machine fleet clearly reflects the huge amount of trust we have put in BOBST over the years, and we continue to do so.”

Expanding capabilities in folding-gluing
Operating from a modern, purpose-built facility on the outskirts of the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, Grigeo Packaging specializes in the production of corrugated sheets, food and beverage packaging, furniture packaging, and other custom-made packaging products. In the food industry, the company proudly serves numerous large brand owners and has recently achieved BRCGS Packaging Materials Level A certificate, evidence of its commitment to food safety and product quality.

This new BOBST EXPERTFOLD 165 folder-gluer allows Grigeo to produce a wide range of box types, including 6-corner boxes. It features ACCUFEED integrated blank aligner with wider conveyors for perfect feeding precision, and high-speed, variable angle pre-breaking with an extra-long module. The 5-meter-long folding section with crease relief and crease control device also ensures reliable and precise box opening, facilitating downstream processing for Grigeo Packaging’s customers. Even at highest running speeds, the inline quality control combined with ACCUEJECT, which automatically ejects non-standard boxes, guarantees that only top-quality boxes make it to the end of the line.

“We chose the EXPERTFOLD 165 because of its advanced quality control capabilities and the higher efficiency compared to our older machines,” said Kristina Žvinytė, Design Manager. “The wider size range lets us propose more packaging designs, allowing us to better respond to our customers’ varied needs. Average order quantities don’t tend to increase, so the ability to easily and quickly set up orders, with low waste, is very important for us.”

Investing with BOBST for a profitable future

Having already experienced its efficiency, reliability and high quality, Grigeo Packaging is satisfied that the BOBST EXPERTFOLD 165 was the right choice for its business. Giedrius Valdemaras, Head of Technology Development, explained, “We’re experiencing growing demand for multipoint-glued packaging as customers seek cost-effective solutions that simplify operations. Rising labor costs are driving the need for quality packaging that is user friendly and designed with automated and robotic systems in mind. These solutions must be affordable, efficient, and compatible with modern packaging technologies.”

Another important aspect that influenced the decision for Grigeo Packaging was the option to configure the folder-gluer for e-commerce box production. The modularity of the BOBST machine provides the company the perfect tool for e-commerce and other complex, multipurpose boxes, produced in a single pass. Grigeo plans to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Mr Valiušis explained: “With the rise of online shopping, the quality of the corrugated packaging has become crucial, not only for protecting the product during shipping, but also to enrich the customer experience. Therefore, it’s essential for us that we have the capability to integrate e-commerce modules in near future.”

To maximize the potential of the new folder-gluer, Grigeo Packaging has invested in training. “We expect the new BOBST machine to double our production capacity of multipoint glued packaging and we’re seeing good results already. As the training of our operators progresses, the numbers will no doubt be even better,” he concluded.

For more information, visit www.grigeo.com/en/contact/contact/uab-grigeo-packaging and bobst.prezly.com.

The Paperboard Packaging Council Welcomes Tom Hendrickson

March 14, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of the Paperboard Packaging Council

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Hendrickson as its new Industry Affairs Manager. With a strong background in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy, Hendrickson will play a key role in advancing PPC’s efforts to support members and navigate evolving industry challenges.

Hendrickson holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and brings experience in political governance, grassroots organizing, and legislative analysis. His expertise in facilitating discussions, analyzing industry challenges, and developing strategic resources will strengthen PPC’s advocacy and engagement initiatives.

Hendrickson assumes this role at a pivotal moment for the paperboard packaging industry, as sustainability, regulatory compliance, and evolving market demands continue to shape the sector. With increasing pressure for circular solutions and responsible packaging, PPC is committed to ensuring its members remain at the forefront of sustainable innovation, regulatory preparedness, and industry leadership.

“Tom’s experience in public policy and his ability to foster meaningful industry discussions make him a tremendous asset to PPC,” said Ben Markens, President of PPC. “As our industry continues to navigate sustainability regulations, packaging legislation, and economic shifts, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring our members stay informed and prepared.”

In his new role, Hendrickson will monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the paperboard packaging industry while connecting PPC members with critical resources to navigate policy changes. He will also facilitate discussions with industry stakeholders, helping to address pressing challenges and opportunities, and will strengthen PPC’s engagement with policymakers, trade associations, and advocacy groups to promote sustainable business practices and innovation.

“I’m honored to join PPC and be part of an organization that supports the $12 billion folding carton industry,” said Hendrickson. “What excites me most is the opportunity to learn from PPC members and affiliates, gain a deeper understanding of the industry, and contribute to strengthening collaboration. I look forward to supporting the key stakeholders who are driving meaningful change.”
Hendrickson’s passion for policy, industry engagement, and community service stems from his background in grassroots advocacy and public office. Coming from a family of educators, he developed a deep respect for community engagement, learning, and service. His early exposure to grassroots organizing led him to serve as a City Councilor in his Massachusetts hometown, where he works closely with local leaders and businesses to drive policy improvements and economic initiatives.

In addition to his elected role, Hendrickson has spent the past several years supporting grassroots organizing, field coordination, and campaign strategy, most recently managing a successful Massachusetts State Representative campaign. His ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies has earned him the trust of policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.

“Tom’s background in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy makes him well-equipped to support our members in navigating industry opportunities and challenges,” said Emily Leonczyk, Executive Director and VP of PPC. “His work will focus on providing timely industry updates, facilitating discussions on key legislative topics, and ensuring PPC remains a strong voice for paperboard packaging manufacturers and suppliers.”

For more information about the Paperboard Packaging Council and its initiatives, visit www.paperbox.org.

DGM Introduces Dilli Neo Picasso Plus

March 13, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of DGM Digital Converting Machinery

DGM Digital Converting Machinery, Red Bank, New Jersey, has introduced the Dilli Neo Picasso Plus digital inkjet label press (Neo Picasso). The Neo Picasso is a high-efficiency digital label UV press. This digital inkjet label press has multiple advantages including – high printing speed, variable drop size 3pL, six colors + double white, variable data printing and more. Additional benefits of the Neo Picasso include:

• High Print Speed: Capable of printing at speeds up to 165 ft/m (50m/min) using CMYK.
• Superior Resolution: Delivers high resolution at 600 x 1200 dpi.
• Versatile Printing Dimensions: Printing width of 13.11” with a maximum media width of 13.4”.
• Wide Color Range: Covers 98% of the Pantone color spectrum.
• Advanced Color System: Utilizes a 7-color system (CMYK+O/V/G +2W), with white ink offering over 86% opacity.
• Vibrant UV Inks: Specially formulated for standard self-adhesive label stocks, including Paper, PP, and PE.
• Broad Application Scope: Suitable for industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, industrial, security, automotive, health and safety, consumer goods, and personal care.
• High-Quality Printheads: Equipped with Kyocera printheads for sharp, precise printing, down to 2pt text.
• Consistent Color Output: Ensures uniform color consistency across different jobs without variations.
• Cost Efficiency: No click charges or mandatory service contracts, resulting in the lowest cost of ownership compared to other digital label printing technologies.
• Quick Turnaround: The digital printing process reduces preparation steps, labor, and material costs, eliminating the need for plate making, mounting, or inventory of plate rollers.
• User-Friendly Operation: Dilli’s intuitive RIP software allows for easy file management and seamless workflow. Print queues enable continuous job transitions without downtime, with the flexibility to change SKUs, colors, designs, or jobs on the fly.
• Enhanced Print Quality: Features such as web cleaning, web steering and guiding, and corona treating improve adhesion and maximize print quality.

For more information, visit www.dilliusa.com/dilli-usa-neo-picasso-pro.

Absolute Printing Equipment Announces 2025 Foil Stamping Training

March 13, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of Absolute Printing Equipment Service, Inc.

Absolute Printing Equipment, Indianapolis, Indiana, has announced the 2025 Foil Stamping Training session, led by James Wright, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of industry experience.

The training will be held at the Absolute Printing Equipment Showroom in Indianapolis, IN.

The training will span three full days, starting at 8:00 AM and concluding at 4:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch provided by Absolute Printing Equipment.

The sessions will take place on April 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th.

Throughout the training, you will learn how to foil, emboss, and die cut on a Kluge 14×22.

We will conduct job runs for letterheads, envelopes, and pocket folders.

Additionally, you will get to see the Kama 76 with foil, Kama FlexFold 52, and ProFold 74 in action.

Universal Engraving, Inc. is providing all the foil stamping and embossing dies AND Infinity® Foils, Inc. is supporting with the hot stamping foils.

The cost of the training is $500. However, company owners are encouraged to observe at no additional charge.

We have arranged special rates at the Hampton Inn, conveniently located just 10 minutes from Absolute Printing Equipment. To save at this location, please ask for the “Group Rate for Absolute Printing Equipment” or use our corporate account number 3329455.

Absolute Printing Equipment is located at: 5501 S Franklin Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46239

Space is limited to 10 trainees, so reserve your spot today!

If payment is not received by March 28th, 2025, your spot will be forfeited and given to the next trainee on the waiting list.

Register Here

You will receive confirmation for your reservation via email after this form is submitted. If all the spots have been filled, you will be put on the waiting list.

Please note: Only 1 trainee per company is permitted.

For any questions regarding training, please contact KC Chapin at 817-994-3301

For any questions regarding logistics, please contact Casey Marion at 317-527-7526

Martin Automatic Announces the Passing of Ed Pittman

March 7, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of Martin Automatic

Martin Automatic, Rockford, Illinois, is saddened to report the passing of Edward (Ed) Pittman. He was the company’s Sales Manager for Southern Europe and Africa from 2001 until his retirement in 2022.

Speaking for Martin, VP Sales & Marketing Gavin Rittmeyer said: “Ed served his customers and Martin with integrity and passion – always striving to put the needs of others first. I counted him a friend, as did many of his customers. We are all saddened by his unexpected passing, and we send our condolences to his wife Tere and his whole family.”

As the child of missionary parents, Ed was exposed to the Church his entire life, becoming a devout and practicing Christian in 2007 and enjoyed leadership roles in the Evangelical Church in Las Rozas de Madrid, close to where he lived.

He spent most of his adult life working in the printing industry. Prior to joining Martin Automatic he worked for Comco and Didde. Asked on his retirement how he would like to be remembered professionally he said: “As an honest guy who always did his best to serve my customers and prospects fairly.”

Nobody who knew him would doubt that he succeeded in his wish. He will be fondly remembered and much missed by all with whom he came into contact.

For more information, visit www.martinautomatic.com.

XSYS Announces Acquisition of MacDermid Graphics Solutions

March 4, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of XSYS

XSYS, Willstaett, Germany, a global integrated solutions provider to the flexographic, letterpress and pre-press printing markets, announces that it has completed the acquisition of the MacDermid Graphics Solutions business (“MGS”) from Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). The transaction was signed on 1 September 2024 and has been approved by all the relevant regulators globally. The combination of XSYS and MGS will create one of the leading companies in the sector worldwide.

“We are excited to announce the completion of this transformative combination and to join forces with our new MGS colleagues” said Dr. Alexander Unterschuetz, Group CEO of XSYS. “This transaction creates significant value and opportunities as a result of the complementarity of both businesses’ product portfolio, services, and employees, thus making us a more complete solution provider for our customers.” He further commented, “This, together with the strengthened knowledge and resources of our dedicated technical support teams, will enable us to deliver even better products and services to our customers, who are at the center of everything we do”.

The combined business will have a workforce of approximately 850 employees worldwide and turnover of approximately €370 million.

About XSYS
Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and is a leading supplier offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.
In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (ThermoFlexX, Catena and Xpress), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success. For more information, visit www.xsysglobal.com.

About MacDermid Graphics Solutions
MacDermid Graphics Solutions, formerly a division of Element Solutions Inc, is a global leader in the manufacturing of photopolymer plates and equipment used in flexographic printing. We deliver high-quality graphic capabilities for the packaging printing markets globally. Our mission is to provide a world-class customer experience, while meeting flexographic printing plates needs with award-
winning technology. This is achieved through creating strategic value for our customers from start to finish. We are an open provider and offer the best possible solutions via industry partnerships.

MacDermid Graphics Solutions is passionate about our planet and our industry. We consider ESG to be a business imperative, an extension of our growth strategy and a reflection of our values. We are a founding partner of the Flexo Xperience Center. For more information, visit www.macdermidgraphics.com.

C&T Matrix Appoints Freeman as Exclusive Distributor in North America

February 28, 2025

Press release submitted on behalf of C&T Channel Matrix

Freeman Manufacturing and Supply, headquartered in Avon, Ohio, with 11 locations across the US and 2 in Canada, is well-positioned to offer C&T’s leading portfolio in North America. With deep expertise in the American converting and die-making markets, Freeman has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the printing industry. It provides its customers with excellent service, technical support, and high-quality products.

“We believe this is an ideal opportunity for customers to gain access to the growing portfolio of C&T products in North America, one of the largest markets in the world,” said Simon Shenton, Managing Director at C&T Matrix: “Freeman is a trusted partner with a strong reputation for customer service. Freeman will provide customers exceptional service and technical support, helping them access C&T’s renowned products, including XTC, Pink, and Corrugate matrix, and our leading rubber profile ranges, such as Sprint, manufactured in the UK.”

Since the partnership began in September 2024, C&T’s team of experts has provided Freeman with comprehensive training and technical support, enabling the commercial teams to confidently offer C&T products, services, and technical assistance to their customers.

“This strategic partnership with Freeman strengthens C&T’s presence in North America. It underscores C&T’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products to meet the global needs of the packaging and print converting industries”, added Shenton.

For further details regarding C&T Channel Matrix and its innovative creasing matrix solutions, visit www.candtmatrix.com.